Employers shouldn’t wait around to see what happens with the Employee Free Choice Act.
Even if Congress makes it easier to form unions, improving benefits communication today will help make sure your staff is satisfied with what you’re offering — and keep organizers at bay.
Here are three things worth giving to employees now to keep them happy and let them know exactly how much they’re getting from their benefits:
Total comp statements
These statements let employees know that you have much more invested in them than salaries.
Despite the effectiveness of this tool, only 43% of employers provide total comp statements, according to the 2009 Metlife Study of Employee Benefit Trends.
Key: Make sure the statements are personalized and clear to all employees. For example, break statements down into short, easy to understand sections (e.g., salary, health care and retirement).
Decision-support tools
Employees love to have tools (like Web-based calculators) to help them make decisions about their benefits.
These tools also boost employee satisfaction with their benefits.
One worth trying: MetLife’s free Employee Benefits Simplifier. It helps employees decide which benefits are right for “them” and even suggests coverage levels.
Off-season education
Outside of enrollment season, meet with employees and explain each part of your benefits package individually. Example: One month hold a meeting that explains your dental plan. The next month meet to discuss the vision benefits you offer.
This info will boost employees’ satisfaction and confidence in their enrollment decisions and increase participation when enrollment rolls around.
What are some things you do to educate employees about their benefits? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
